Doherty raises concerns about future of Climber Hall with the HSE

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that she has held discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) about the future of Climber Hall in Kells. Deputy Doherty raised concerns about the facility earlier this week after it was suggested that it may have to close to allow for the local reconfiguration of mental health services.

“I was extremely worried by suggestions made earlier this week that Climber Hall could be forced to close due to plans for the reconfiguration of local mental health services in Louth and Meath. The Kells facility provides a fantastic day service to about 40 people. Its closure would have a devastating impact on those who use the service.

“I have raised the issue in person and in writing with Dermot Monaghan, the HSE’s Area Manager in Louth/Meath, and Stephen Mulvany, the HSE’s Director of Mental Health Services.

“The HSE has confirmed to me that there are no immediate plans to close Climber Hall, but more importantly, the Executive has stated that no decisions will be taken without full consultation with service users.

“Crucially, the HSE says that no service will be removed without being replaced by a comparable service within the community. The HSE has also given a commitment that no patient will lose services.

“Existing services will continue to be provided while consultation on the reorganisation of community-based services is carried out. I am urging patients, their families and health care workers to make their views heard, so we can make it clear that this vital mental health day care service must be maintained.”

ENDS